April 2020 Golden Plains Shire Council Gazette

Gazette

APRIL 2020

2

Council Coronavirus Update

5

Animal Rego Due 10 April

10

Community Grants: Apply Now

Council News

From the Mayor Like many of you, I have been confronted by the news and growing reality of the Coronavirus pandemic, both overseas and in Australia.

Understandably, this is a confusing and distressing time for many people, especially those with health concerns and loved ones overseas. As I write this message, new travel and border restrictions have been put in place and the supermarket shelves are running bare – and it’s hard to know what next week or month will bring.

At times like these, it’s important that as a community, we come together in spirit – even if we are separated physically. Let’s be kind, caring and

considerate as we help each other through this unprecedented crisis; to come from a place of compassion and care rather than anger and fear. This means being respectful to supermarket staff, assisting our elderly neighbours or calling a friend to make sure they’re okay – at this overwhelming time, these are simple measures we can take that mean a great deal.

Golden Plains is a special place to live – and we have 56 wonderful townships with community-minded residents who we know will rise to meet the moment.

The health and well-being of our community, staff and volunteers is Golden Plains Shire Council’s top priority. In this fast-changing environment, it has been necessary for Council to make changes to some of its services, operations and

events – and there may be more changes in the future. We thank our customers, clients and community for their understanding and patience, as Council continues to do its very best to support and care for the people of Golden Plains Shire.

Finally, I would urge our residents to always seek correct and reliable information as this crisis unfolds.

There’s a great deal of misinformation circulating online and via word of mouth that may be untrue and upsetting, so please source your news from reputable sources, such as the ABC and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Golden Plains is full of supportive people and strong communities, and I know that together we can get through these difficult times.

Stay safe and connected, be kind, and take care.

Cr Owen Sharkey - Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council

Coronavirus update Essential services of Council including Community Care and Maternal and Child Health Services will continue to operate on a priority basis and subject to staff availability. The Bannockburn Family Service Centre and Bannockburn Children’s Service remain open and operating as usual. Council’s waste collection services also continue as usual.

Council’s Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale Customer Service Centres are closed for face-to-face interactions until at least Tuesday 14 April, 2020. Customers can still contact the Customer Service team during this time by: • Phone: 5220 7111 • Email: enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au • Online: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/forms/portal The Bannockburn Library and Golden Plains Mobile Library run by the Geelong Regional Library Corporation is closed until at least Tuesday 14 April, 2020. For more information on the library closures, visit grlc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Note: This information was correct as of 23 March, 2020. Further changes to Council’s services, operations and events, will be posted on Council’s website and social media, with weekly updates on the Council News page in the Golden Plains Times. Visit Council’s dedicated webpage at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | April 2020

Coronavirus update

April 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3

Roads and Bridges

Open: New Wall Bridge in Teesdale

Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, Senator the Hon. Sarah Henderson, and local historian Dianne Hughes officially opened the new Wall Bridge in Teesdale on Tuesday 17 March, 2020.

A partnership project, Council secured a $303,500 grant from Round Four of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program to build the new bridge, and matched funds of $303,500 to deliver the project.

The new single-lane concrete Wall Bridge spans Native Hut Creek on Stones Road in Teesdale. Benefits of the new concrete bridge include improved safety for road users, increased bridge load for heavy vehicles including emergency vehicles, and a dedicated 1.5m wide footbridge with a safety rail for pedestrians and cyclists.

The original timber Wall Bridge was constructed in 1920 and the history of the original structure has been honoured with a new interpretative sign, mounted on timber repurposed when the old structure was removed.

Local Teesdale historian Dianne Hughes contributed to the displayed history of the bridge and joined Mayor Sharkey and Senator Henderson for the official ribbon-cutting of the sign.

The new Wall Bridge is a safe modern structure that will serve motorists, cyclists and pedestrians well for the next 100 years.

The History of Wall Bridge The following history appears on the new interpretative sign at Wall Bridge: The former Wall Bridge spanned Native Hut Creek to connect the north of Teesdale to the BannockburnShelford Road from 1878. It was a single-lane timber bridge with bluestone abutments and a three-tonne load limit that provided linkage between the developed areas to the north of Teesdale and the BannockburnShelford Road in the south.

The Shire of Leigh first received a petition for a bridge over the Native Creek at Stone Park Farm, the property of John Wall, in 1873. It was not until 1878 that tenders were called for a ‘bridge over Native Creek at Teesdale’.

The bridge had been routinely maintained since its construction. It was replaced in 1927, at a cost of £400, and was constructed using Red Gum timber locally sourced in Teesdale.

4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | April 2020

By 2019, the structural timber had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The current concrete bridge improves on the former Wall Bridge design through the inclusion of a footbridge allowing for the safe crossing of Native Hut Creek by pedestrian traffic.

Timber from the former Wall Bridge has been used in the production of this sign.

John Wall Wall Bridge was named after landowner John Wall, born in County Clare, Ireland in 1841. He arrived in Victoria on the ship James McHenry in 1854 with his wife, Honora (Hehir) and their seven children: James, Patrick, Thomas, Michael, John, Bridget and Edmond. The Wall family were residents of Teesdale by 1859. John Wall passed away aged 73 on 3 November, 1880.

Golden Plains Shire gratefully acknowledges Dianne Hughes, Allison Martin and Authentic Heritage Services for their assistance in providing this historical information.

Community News

Register your pet today

ALL DOGS AND CATS REGISTRATION RENEWALS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY 10 APRIL. Note: the annual due date is a public holiday this year, so please make arrangements to pay your pet renewal early.

Renewing a pet registration?

Review the orange 2020 renewal notice you received in the mail and pay the registration cost by any of the ways listed on the notice.

That’s it: your pet is registered for 2020. If your pet was registered last year and you have not received a notice in the mail, call 5220 7111.

How much does pet registration cost?

The full annual registration fee is $130 per cat and $149 per dog but most people have paid the discounted registration of $46, available to pets that are microchipped and desexed. For a detailed list of discounted options, visit Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au No longer own the pet on your notice?

If your pet has died or does not live at your property for any reason, please complete and return the Statement of Change slip on the back of your renewal notice; or call Council and the registration will be updated. This simple action will save you and Council the time and effort of sorting out an old registration down the track.

Registering a pet for the first time?

If you have a dog or cat that is unregistered, call the Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111 and we will help you complete the registration.

Why are dogs and cats registered?

First, it’s the law in every municipality in Victoria for all dogs and cats over three months of age to be registered with Council and wear registration tags. Failure to register or renew the registration of a dog or cat over the age of three months is an offence with a current fine of $330.

Second, when registered pets are lost or stray from home, it’s easy for Council to safely and quickly reunite the pet and their family.

Finally, pet registration fees cover part of the cost of Council’s animal management services including rescuing stray animals, providing shelter care, and investigating situations of aggressive animals or owner neglect. The remainder of the service cost is recovered through user pays fines to the pet owners. For example, the cost of impounding a cat or dog is $250 plus officer time and vehicles costs.

How many animals can I own?

Golden Plains Shire has a limit of two dogs and two cats per property. There are also limits on other animals, such as chickens and horses; particularly in residential parts of towns. If you wish to keep more animals than listed in Council’s Local Law No. 2 General Public Amenity, you will need permission from Council.

Want to know more? For answers to your questions or to register your pet, call 5220 7111.

Notice: BPay Change

Please note that the BPay Biller Code on the 2020 Animal Registration Renewal Notice was incorrect.

Currently on the 2020 Animal Registration Renewal Notice BILLER CODE: 2338 for cats and 2337 for dogs Correct Biller Code BILLER CODE: 35238 The printed Biller Code does not exist so there is no risk of lost payment. The BPay Reference number is correct as printed in the 2020 Notice.

Council apologises for any inconvenience. If you have any questions about the Biller Code or paying your animal registration renewal notice, please call Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111.

April 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5

Roads and Bridges

Completed: Teesdale-Lethbridge Rd

After.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and Council’s new Director Infrastructure and Development, Phil Josipovic recently inspected the upgraded section of Teesdale-Lethbridge Road.

Upgrades were recently completed on Teesdale-Lethbridge Road in Teesdale.

Golden Plains Shire Council secured a $500,000 grant from Regional Roads Victoria to fully fund these vital safety upgrades under the first round of the Victorian Government’s Fixing Country Roads program.

The 740-metre section north from the intersection of the Shelford-Bannockburn Road was reconstructed and sealed, with drainage improvements an important part of the project.

These works will significantly increase the durability of the section of road, as well as greatly increase safety for all road users.

Following feedback from Teesdale locals, Council actively lobbied for the funding for a number of years and is pleased to have delivered this quality upgrade with the support of the State Government.

Before.

Infrastructure projects around the Shire 2020 is a busy infrastructure-building year for Golden Plains Shire Council. Works are currently underway, or will commence in the next few months, on these other significant projects: • • • •

Linton-Mannibadar Road Pitfield-Cressy Road Barwon Park Road Bridge Cooper’s Bridge, Meredith

6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | April 2020

• Teesdale Turtle Bend upgrade • Golden Plains Community and Civic Centre • The Well, Smythesdale upgrade

Roads and Bridges

Completed: Tall Tree Road upgrade

Michaela Settle MP, Stewart Marshall of Tall Tree Poultry and Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey view the new Tall Tree Road upgrade.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey joined Michaela Settle MP, Member for Buninyong, and Stewart Marshall from Tall Tree Poultry to officially mark the completion of the $1.4 million upgrade of Tall Tree Road in Lethbridge on Friday 6 March, 2020 Completed by Council’s works team, the project upgraded the 5.7km section of the road from the existing end of the sealed road to Meredith-Shelford Road. A partnership project with the Victorian Government, Council invested $472,000 and secured a $943,000 grant from the Government’s Local Roads to Market funding program.

The upgrade sealed an existing 3.5km section of unsealed road that was unsuitable for heavy vehicles and regularly required maintenance, particularly following wet weather. A further 2.2km of narrow sealed road was widened and replaced, to improve safety and increase the durability of the carriageway while reducing the maintenance burden of Council.

Tall Tree Road is the key arterial road of the Golden Plains Food Production Precinct, which is a priority project of Golden Plains Shire Council. The $1.4 million upgrade supports the growth of intensive agriculture, and will help attract new investment in the precinct, increasing local employment and positively improving the economy of Lethbridge and the wider Golden Plains area.

The Golden Plains Food Production Precinct is a 4,000 hectare area of privately owned farm-zoned land west of Lethbridge. The Precinct is strategically located close to the Port of Geelong, and Avalon and Lethbridge Airports, as well as the cities of Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. In 2016, Council partnered with Barwon Water and Federal and State Governments to deliver an 18km town water pipeline at the Precinct; with future plans for the site including more power and improved telecommunications infrastructure.

As part of the works, Council also completed 27 new property entrances for residences and businesses on Tall Tree Road, including new pipes and safety headwalls for improved drainage.

April 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7

Community News

20 Years: Community Planning

Golden Plains marked an important anniversary Tuesday 28 January: 20 years of the Community Planning program.

As part of the Council Australia Day Awards ceremony at the packed Bannockburn Cultural Centre, Council celebrated the great success of the Community Planning program and recognised the hard work of the Community Coordinator volunteers who were present.

Following the premiere screening of a video made by a team of young Golden Plains Shire residents, Community Coordinators were called up to the stage, where their dedication to our communities was recognised with the gift of a native plant by Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and applause from the audience.

Golden Plains Shire Council’s Community Planning program began in 1999, and supports individual communities across the Shire to identify goals for their own area and map out actions to achieve them.

Community volunteers, known as Community Coordinators, oversee their town’s community plan, encourage the participation of their fellow residents, and advocate to Council and other organisations on behalf of their town.

From the Bunjil Eagle Viewing Platform at Maude, to Tai Chi classes at the Garibaldi Hall, the achievements of the program and its Community Coordinators are numerous and impressive.

Community Coordinators are the heart of the Community Planning program, and there would be no program without their dedication and volunteerism.

If you or someone you know are interested in getting involved as a Community Coordinator, contact Council’s Community Partnerships Officer at 5220 7111 or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au.

Watch the 20 Years of Community Planning video at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/news/celebrating-20-yearscommunity-planning.

Love Golden Plains?

Connect with your community. Connect with us.

GoldenPlainsShire

The Gazette

GoldenPlainsMayor

Council News in the Golden Plains Times

@GPSCouncilNews @lovegoldenplains 8 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | April 2020

WWW

goldenplains.vic.gov.au GoldenPlainsShire

Community News

Celebrating Our Outstanding Citizens

In front of an enthusiastic crowd on Tuesday 28 January, Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey presented the 2020 Australia Day Awards to four well-deserving nominees at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.

Pictured above at the Australia Day Award Ceremony are (left to right) Una Miller, Minh-Chau Ho, Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, Malcolm Johns of the Inverleigh’s Anzac Day Service and Mary Foster.

Citizen of the Year

Young Citizen of the Year

Mary Foster has been a resident of Meredith for more than 30 years, and is dedicated to the health needs of her community. A nurse, Mary was a foundation member of the Meredith Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a highly trained group of volunteers who are first responders for emergency medical care. Mary is also a member of the Lions Club of Meredith & District, and actively involved with St Joseph’s Church, Meredith.

Minh-Chau Ho of Dereel has a passion for maths and languages, and is always happy to help her classmates, younger students and neighbours in their studies. She helps her Vietnamese classmates with their school work, learning English and Australian culture.

Minh-Chau also spends her spare time helping her parents with community fundraising events to support the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Ballarat Foundation.

Senior Citizen of the Year Una Miller has been an active member of the Inverleigh community since moving to the town 13 years ago.

A life member of the Country Women’s Association, Una is a mentor for younger members of the Inverleigh CWA, and goes out of her way to assist other members of the community. Una is also an active member of the Inverleigh Presbyterian Church, Inverleigh Progress Association and the local walking group.

Community Group of the Year Inverleigh’s Anzac Day Service is an important event on the Shire’s annual calendar. The Inverleigh RSL delivers the Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services in Inverleigh, Bannockburn, Teesdale, and Shelford. The volunteer-driven events are promoted nationally, and attract more than 500 visitors from across the Shire, Victoria, Australia and internationally.

April 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9

Community News

Community Grants 2020

Golden Plains Shire Council is excited to announce its revamped Community Grants Program.

After an extensive review and consultation on its existing program, Council will deliver two new programs in 2020: Community Strengthening Grants and Small Grants.

Community Strengthening Grants will comprise of four categories: • Healthy Active Living: to support recreation, sport, health and wellbeing projects • Creative Community: to support arts and culture projects • Environment and Sustainability: to support projects that improve the environment • Community Safety: to support projects that equip communities to be safe and resilient

The Community Strengthening Grants will be available in two rounds each year, with funding of up to $10,000 available.

Community groups must match the amount of funding sought, either in cash or through in-kind contributions, such as volunteer work on the project.

Small Grants of up to $1,000 will be available to support events and youth projects.

These grants have no requirement for matching funds, and will be available all year, subject to remaining funds. Small Grants will become available from 1 July 2020.

APPLY NOW

The first round of Community Strengthening Grants for 2020 are now open and will close on 30 April 2020.

The second round for 2020 will open on 1 September 2020 and close 30 September 2020.

To apply for a Community Strengthening Grant, please submit your application online at goldenplains.smartygrants.com.au.

Want to find out more or discuss an application? Contact Council’s Community Partnership Officer at 5220 7220 or email communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.au.

10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | April 2020

Community News

Events in Golden Plains Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and with the cancellation of many community events, Council has chosen not to publish its regular community events calendar in this edition of the Gazette.

To keep up-to-date with local events, visit Council’s online events calendar at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.

International Women’s Day in Golden Plains Business professionals and women from across Golden Plains gathered at Clyde Park in Bannockburn to celebrate International Women’s Day on 11 March 2020.

The special Business Networking Event featured keynote speaker, Rebecca Maddern, who spoke about her remarkable journey from growing

up in rural Victoria to rising through the ranks of the national media to become the first female to co-host Channel Nine’s The Footy Show and the new co-host of Weekend Today.

The next Golden Plains Business Networking Event will be held in the north of the Shire. To stay update with local business news, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/business

Officially open: Bannockburn Men’s Shed

Pictured above at the opening of the Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed are: (left to right) Geoff Wild, Richard Riordan MP, Syd McConaughy and Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey.

A large crowd gathered on Tuesday 25 February for the official opening of the Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed.

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, Councillors Les Rowe and David Evans, and Golden Plains Shire Council CEO Eric Braslis joined Richard Riordan MP, Member for Polworth; Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed members; friends and supporters to celebrate the important community building in Bannockburn.

Since forming in 2013, the Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed have been on a long journey towards having their own facility. Following extensive fundraising, the group’s committee was successful in securing State and Federal Government funding for the shed’s construction.

Construction got underway on the shed and meeting room in May 2018 and the group received the keys in October 2018. Since then, members have worked hard to fit out the facility, including installing lighting, insulation and carpet in the meeting room.

Golden Plains Shire Council supported the group’s building by providing the land, writing letters of support to help secure government funding, managing the build, and contributing to the building’s utilities.

The Bannockburn & District Men’s Shed also received a $4,795 Community Grant from Council in 2019 for landscaping works.

Congratulations to the Bannockburn Men’s Shed on its fantastic facility.

April 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11

Community Notice Board Customer Service: Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Council’s Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale Customer Service Centres are closed for face-to-face interactions until at least Tuesday 14 April, 2020.

Bannockburn 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Victoria, 3331.

Linton 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday 68 Sussex Street, Linton Victoria, 3360.

Welcome to New Citizens A special function of Council is to host citizenship ceremonies for local residents to take the oath to become an Australian citizen.

At the Council Meeting on 25 February, the following Golden Plains Shire residents were welcomed as new Australian citizens: • Rubilyn Douglas who is from the Philippines and resides in Smythesdale • Martin Gilfoyle who is from England and resides in Bannockburn • Hugh Russell who is from Scotland and resides in Smythesdale Congratulations to our newest Australian citizens!

Smythesdale 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351.

Recycling bin inspections

Phone P: 5220 7111 F: 5220 7100

The inspection program will monitor recycling bins as they are emptied, to help residents understand what can and cannot be recycled. Residents will receive a brochure in their letterbox in advance of any inspection in their area.

Postal address Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.

As part of the inspection program, bins that contain non-recyclable items will be stickered with helpful information on what should be in their yellow lid bin. The data collected will help Council fine-tune its recycling information campaign.

To help reduce contamination of recycling, Council has started a trial recycling bin inspection program in Bannockburn.

Emergency contacts P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)

Council, and ultimately ratepayers, face increased costs for contamination in recycling bins. Materials that cannot be recycled by Council’s contractor are also a health hazard to workers at the processing facility, as these materials need to be removed by hand.

To receive a copy of the Gazette in large print, call 5220 7111.

Residents seeking information on what can and cannot go in their recycling bin can find a comprehensive list at thinkrecycle.com.au/a-to-z-guide/

The deadline for the May 2020 issue of the Gazette is 9am, Thursday 16 April. Email: news@gplains.vic.gov.au or post to PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331.

Rates Payment All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers received their 2019/20 Rates Notices in the mail last year.

For residents who have signed up to pay their rates by instalment, the final instalment payment is due on Sunday 31 May, 2020.

If you can’t make the payment or have a question, just call our Rates team for a confidential conversation at 5220 7111.

connect with golden plains shire council GoldenPlainsShire

GoldenPlainsMayor

WWW

goldenplains.vic.gov.au @GPSCouncilNews

@lovegoldenplains